spud times

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Potatoes
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/world/26spuds.html

People are encouraging poor countries to grow potatoes to feed their growing populations and also boost their economy. It sounds like a relatively good idea, only since many countries may benefit from having the potato in their food collections. Yet they refer to the green revolution and the benefits that had on wheat production. We know though that the green revolution reduced the biodiversity of lands. So encouraging people to grow potatoes might be good for the feeding of people, and but bad for land. Especially since they are already saying that in warmer climates potatoes rot quickly. Shouldn't Food Aid take the time to figure out the individuals country equivalent to the potato? Something nutritious that they can increase the growth of, that could feed the poorer populations, and also provide self-sufficiency for the country rather than relying on the importation and assistance from food-aid.

-Niki Lesniak